CBS has revealed who will be taking over Stephen Colbert’s coveted Late Show slot after the series’ shocking cancellation last year.
The network confirmed that after The Late Show With Stephen Colbert concludes on May 21, Comics Unleashed With Byron Allen will take over. The comedy talk show currently airs after The Late Show and is followed by Byron Allen‘s other late-night game show, Funny You Should Ask.
“I created and launched Comics Unleashed 20 years ago so my fellow comedians could have a platform to do what we all love — make people laugh,” Allen, 64, said in a statement on Monday, April 6. “I truly appreciate CBS’ confidence in me by picking up our two-hour comedy block of Comics Unleashed and Funny You Should Ask, because the world can never have enough laughter.”
Colbert, 61, for his part, touched on his plans after bringing his time on late-night TV to an end.
Mass TV Cancellations Across Networks Explained After Late Show’s Fate
“I’ll tell you, the person who did the thing I most admire — I mean, not most admire, but the thing that really struck me is, you know what [Bill] Hader did when he left SNL? He went and wrote for South Park for a season,” he said on the Monday, April 6, episode of the “SmartLess” podcast.
CBS previously announced in July 2025 that The Late Show would end, which sparked immediate backlash. Network executives then released a statement addressing their decision, claiming it was not “related in any way to the show’s performance, content or other matters happening at Paramount” but was instead due to finances.
Colbert broke his silence about the shocking cancellation at the time.
“Before we start the show I want to let you know something that I found out just last night. Next year will be our last season,” he announced during a taping in July 2025 as the audience booed. “I share your feelings. It’s not just the end of our show, but it’s the end of The Late Show on CBS. I’m not being replaced. This is all just going away.”
He continued: “I do want to say that the folks at CBS have been great partners. … And I’m grateful to the audience, you, who have joined us every night, in here, out there and all around the world.”
The Late Show received an outpouring of support as fellow late-night hosts slammed CBS’ decision to pull the plug. Jimmy Kimmel reposted a clip of Colbert’s announcement via his Instagram Story with the caption, “Love you Stephen. F*** you and all your Sheldons CBS.”
Jimmy Fallon, meanwhile, said he was “just as shocked as everyone” else.
“Stephen is one of the sharpest, funniest hosts to ever do it. I really thought I’d ride this out with him for years to come,” he wrote via Instagram. “I’m sad that my family and friends will need a new show to watch every night at 11:30. But honestly, he’s really been a gentleman and a true friend over the years, going back to The Colbert Report, and I’m sure whatever he does next will be just as brilliant.”
Watch What Happens Live‘s Andy Cohen weighed in as well, telling Deadline, “I think it’s a sad day for late-night television. I think it’s a sad day for CBS. I think Stephen Colbert is a singular talent. He’s going to have an incredible next chapter.”
Cohen added, “I can’t believe CBS is turning off the lights at 11:30 after the local news. I’m stunned. He’s one of three late-night shows deemed worthy enough for an Emmy nomination. He produces a brilliant show.”
